Your continued financial support will give them the strength and courage to continue this journey!

We are Jordan and Bethany Whiteley, and we are so excited to announce that we are adopting Mikah! When he joins our family, Mikah will become a brother to our two biological children — Jimmy (5) and Katherine (3). We are a happy family that loves God, loves life, and loves each other. We look forward to making Mikah a loved and valued member of our family!

For a number of months, we saw Mikah’s profile on Reece’s Rainbow, and along with many others, wished that a family would step up for him. We had no clue that we would be that family! Recently however, we received word that Mikah was suddenly being moved into a bad situation, and God laid it on our hearts to adopt him! After much prayer and discussion (and some encouraging words from some close friends), we made the decision to make him our son! We are now working to get him home as soon as we can.

Through all of this, we remember the compassion and love Jesus Christ had for us when He sacrificed His own life for us, and see how we are called to give the same love and compassion to those in need around us.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and truth.” I John 3:16-18

To us, adopting a child is wonderful picture of what God has done for us — He adopts us to be His children, loves us unconditionally, and makes us heirs to eternal life. In the same way, we plan to take Mikah up into our arms, and give him a new life where he is loved and valued, and able to reach his full potential. We thank you for your help!

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Lawrence and Michele Conklin met as teenagers at Church youth group. They started with a friendship that gradually became a relationship. They have now been married over 20 years.

Lawrence worked hard at providing for their family as they welcomed Lawrence Jr in 1992 and Zachariah in 1995. They thought their family was complete however God had other plans. Michele felt a strong pull to do foster care and they began their foster care journey in 2007. Since that time they have fostered over a dozen children, adopting 4 of the children.

Emily is 14, Jack is 8, Nickolas is 7 and Michael is 5. And in 2011 they added a daughter in Law to their family when Lawrence Jr. married Kimberlee and they welcomed their first child the Conklin’s first grandchild Jayda Renee in 2013.

In the summer of 2013 God rocked their world once again, they were called to host a sweet 14 year old boy from Eastern Europe. Igor filled a spot in their family they did not know existed all the kids got along and when he had to go back the family soon realized the family would not be complete without Igor.

It has been long hard process raising funds etc. to bring him home and God in his wisdom decided to speak to their hearts once again and to compel the Conklins to rescue a child from RR while they were over there and that is when sweet Janelle caught their hearts. The Conklins feel strongly that the Lord has brought them this far and he will continue to grow their family as he sees fit.

3/236/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS

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Justin and Codi Howell are high school sweet hearts. They have been best friends for 12 years and married for 8. Codi has wanted to have a large family and to pursue adoption ever since she was a little girl and Justin was adopted himself so adoption has always been “something for some day” for them. In 2010, their daughter Emelyn was born with a very rare birth defect and died one hour and six minutes after she was born full term. Since then, their hearts have been turned toward individuals with special needs. When their fourth child, Claire, was born with Down syndrome, Hirschsprung’s disease and heart defects, they jumped right in, ready to embrace her and to help her reach her fullest potential. The couple also has a daughter Anna, who is five, and a son, Levi, who is three. Codi’s heart began stirring toward adopting a child with Down syndrome specifically while Claire was still in the NICU and when the couple found Mimi on Reece’s Rainbow, they knew it was their time. They are already connected with a phenomenal medical team and therapy center and have created a support network for Claire that Mimi will easily fit right into! They were even chosen by Claire’s care team as the “featured family” for their local Children’s Hospital’s Festival of Trees last Christmas for their positivity and commitment to advocating for Claire, something that they are excited to do for Mimi as well. If you were to ask the Howells why they are pursuing international, special needs adoption, they would answer that it is what they were made to do.

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Brice and Jessie are an ASL fluent family pursing a deaf toddler. Having been married for almost 5 years, they always knew they wanted to expand their family through adoption one day, but had no idea God would have it happen quit this soon. Shortly after experiencing their second miscarriage they were contacted about this child. They have been working hard on their house ever since in pursuit of this child ever since!

As they begin preparing to move and spend the required 4-6 months in country to bring this precious child into their home, they covet your prayers. They are in desperate need of funds as the in country stay and fees required are quite staggering, an estimated $40,000.00! Having exhausted their resources in order to get their home ready by adding bedrooms to meet adoption requirements, they are trusting God for the money to bring this child home!

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Michelle is a single mother to her seven children. She has four biological children and three children that were added to her family through adoption. Her oldest daughter and son-in-law have blessed her with a four year old granddaughter, a one year old grandson and another granddaughter due in 2015. She has a son currently completing the Police Academy and is top of his class. She has a daughter who is going to school to get her degree to work as an adoption social worker. She states she plans to have 3 biological children some day and 3 children who join her family through adoption. She has a son who will be graduating high school in a few months and plans to complete his college studies with a major in Equine Studies. Michelle adopted a medically needy sibling group from the US Foster Care system. They were biological siblings but never lived together until she adopted them. Her son has Arthrogryposis of his upper and lower limbs and is a double amputee with amazing Iron Man prosthetics. He is no longer medically needy. Her daughter has had numerous surgeries on her hip, has lower limb difference, wears leg braces, has had ankle reconstructions, and her cancer is in remission. She is also no longer medically needy. She adopted a 3 year old little boy from China in 2014. She traveled with her second oldest daughter and fell in love with the culture and her heart hurts for those left behind. Before her trip to China she fell in love with a beautiful bald little girl with amazing dimples who had waited on the shared list for over 5 years. When she saw how there was no future for her in China she knew she had to return to adopt her. She received an update shortly after submitting her letter of intent and she now has a beautiful head of hair and the same glowing dimples!

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The Goodhue family is excited to add another little boy to their family!

Larry and Maria met in high school in 1986 and married in 1992. Having been told by multiple doctors that they would never have children, they were thrilled to find out they were expecting their first child within their first year of marriage. Over the last 22 years their family has grown year after year. They have nine boys and two daughters, unfortunately one daughter went to be with Jesus in 2011. Children have always been an important part of their family and they desire to let God bless them through whatever means He chooses.

Their daughter, Alyssa happened upon Reece’s Rainbow when she was just 13. She has advocated for many of the children on Reece’s Rainbow, as well as, helped many families raise funds for their adoptions. Throughout the last six years, her knowledge of the conditions these children endure while they wait for a family to come for them, their different special needs and the process each family goes through to bring these children home has grown. She has shared with her parents and all of her siblings (all boys!) all that she has learned. The Lord has used her to work in the hearts of her parents and they are excited to take the next big step in their family! The response from their children when they were told they were adopting was…”I can’t believe it! It seems like a dream!”

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As Laura and Chris embark on their journey, they are so thankful for all of the support and love that has been shown to them. Reece’s Rainbow is an amazing organization that provides a tax-deductible way for family and friends to help. Fundraising has not been a part of Laura and Chris’ adoption plan, but with so many people asking if they can help, Reece’s Rainbow has offered a way for those who have inquired!

3/20/15—LOA RECEIVED; HOPE TO TRAVEL in MAY

$48.50
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Here they grow again! The Williams bunch is expanding! John and Sarah have been married for almost 19 years and have 2 biological daughters and three adopted children. Their oldest girls have fully embraced their siblings and have been a great help with the younger children. Their oldest daughter, Imani, is in her sophomore year at the University of Michigan. She loves to visit and see her siblings! Isabel is a junior in high school and has a soft spot for children with Down syndrome. Landie, age 9, is their “mother hen” and was adopted from Haiti at the age of 3 ½. She was lucky to be in a wonderful orphanage there because she was extremely sick as a baby and would likely have not made it without their quick thinking and access to medical care! Isaiah is 3 and is a sweet, sensitive boy who was adopted domestically. He LOVES his brother Ashton age 1 ½! Ashton has Down syndrome and he was also adopted domestically at 3 ½ months. They are best buddies and love to play together.

Over Christmas, the Williams were able to host a little girl from China who they call Ya Ya. She is almost 9 years old and has Down syndrome. Ya Ya is a bright and determined young lady! They loved having her here and are missing her terribly! Everyone was very surprised at how well she adapted while she was here and how they were able to overcome the language barrier. She is very expressive and they used a lot of charades and Google translate, but they did very well! They made the decision to adopt Ya Ya because she is such a sweet, loveable girl and they were able to see what a wonderful fit she was for their family.

The Williams would be honored to have others come alongside and partner with them in their adoption. This will be their third adoption in 3 years and they know they can’t do this alone! Adoption is such a life changing gift for everyone involved! They can’t wait to see how much Ya Ya grows and learns when she has the opportunity to be loved by a family.

3/20/15—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE

$5.34
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The Stacey Family have 4 biological children, one who has Down syndrome. They are pursuing the adoption of a little boy with Down syndrome in Eastern Europe. They always wanted a large family and having their son with Down syndrome opened their eyes up to parenting children with special needs. They are passionate about advocating for children and they love helping others along the way. They have followed the Reece’s rainbow site for several years and are excited to be a family bringing home a little one. Jared recently retired from the US Army and Tera is a Nursing student. Jared and Tera are trusting that God will lead them all the way through this new journey and they hope you will follow their journey as well!

3/19/15—WAITING ON USCIS

$63.05
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And 1… Makes 15. Alan and Karrie are the proud parents of 14, soon to be 15, beautiful children and 9 grandchildren. They have been married for 32 years and believe that Gods’ greatest gifts and happiness come through the family. Psalms 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them…

After their last biological daughter Disney was born, they felt strongly that there were still children missing from their family. They were drawn to 2 children living in an orphanage in Liberia, Africa. That started a process of adoption that has continued for the past 13 years. Over that time they have adopted 6 children from Liberia, 1 from Hattie, and 1 from Montana. They feel that each child, and their journey home to their forever family, has been filed with miracles and Gods’ tender mercies.

They are currently working on the adoption of “Poppy”, a 20 month old baby girl with Down Syndrome from China. It’s been a long and drawn out process for them with many challenges and road blocks. They are so anxious now to get this little angel home where she belongs.

3/18/15—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE

$218.25
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Ernie and Jennifer have been married for 16 years and have 8 kids, 7 of whom have been adopted from around the world. After their most recent adoption (“Breck” on Reece’s Rainbow) they had planned to spend some time recovering from the financial challenges associated with so many adoptions. However, they couldn’t stop thinking about their daughter Hannah’s foster brother who continued to wait for a family long after they had brought her home. He was diagnosed with arthrogryposis and had limited use of both his arms and legs. Ernie and Jennifer knew there weren’t many people eager to adopt a child who couldn’t walk, had limited use of his arms, and would need numerous surgeries and lifelong treatments due to his special needs.

However, they also knew that while his medical needs seemed significant, his need for a family was truly his greatest need. He and Hannah had been very closely attached to one another. Hannah continued to carry his picture around talking about him on a daily basis. Their other children had started asking to adopt him while Hannah was still in China (he was with Hannah in many of the pictures they received while waiting to bring her home). They couldn’t let this child spend another minute waiting for a family when they knew the only concern in adopting him was money. They would simply have to step out in faith that once again God would provide to get this precious boy home.

At the same time, their hearts continued to be pulled towards older children with Down syndrome who had literally been waiting YEARS for a family. With each passing year these children become even less likely to find a family. Ernie and Jennifer knew they could easily love one of these children. Their other children were eager to have another sibling. It took only one look at Yvonne’s profile on Reece’s Rainbow for them to know SHE was the one they should adopt. The children all eagerly joined in praying for Yvonne to become their sister. After several weeks of hearing their children’s prayers Ernie and Jennifer knew THIS was the answer they had sought concerning God’s will for their lives and this adoption. While their initial pull to adopt yet again had been to bring home Hannah’s foster brother, they would also be bringing home a new daughter.

Adopting even one child can be a huge financial challenge. These two newest children will bring the number of children adopted into this family to NINE. The family has worked hard to cover the financial expenses associated with so many adoptions, even moving to a smaller home to help financially, but they know that it’s only through God’s great provision they will be able to bring home these two new children. They greatly appreciate all who desire to be a part of God’s provision to help bring these precious children home to the love and care they so greatly need.

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Tina and Mark have 4 children at home; 2 biological children ages 18 and 14 and 2 from China ages 14 and 12. Their youngest, Kennedi, was their first adopted child and she was adopted when she was almost 6 yeas years old back in 2008. They thought their family was complete with their 2 biological children so they were shocked when God asked them to adopt a child in 2006. They knew nobody who had adopted but decided to follow the path they felt God was laying out before them. They are so glad they did because she changed their lives. In 2010, Tina started an adoption/orphan care ministry at their church and has since seen many families foster and adopt children both locally and internationally. In 2012, the Salvadors headed back to China to bring home their (at the time) 12 year old son. Again, they thought their family was complete but for some reason God placed on Tina’s heart Down syndrome and they fell in love with an adorable 5 year old in China who needed a home. Unfortunately, this girl would not turn out to be their daughter but she helped open their hearts to the idea of adopting again, and adopting a Down syndrome child. Although they were not planning on adopting again, they are now in the process to bring home a stunning 6 year old girl who has Down syndrome waiting in China.

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Matthew and Christy Sellers are excited to bring Rayne into their family. She will be welcomed with loving arms by 3 big brothers and a sister. One brother, like her, was adopted and also has Down Syndrome. Matt and Christy have known since before they were married that God had called them to adopt and more specifically adopt a child with Down Syndrome. After the adoption of their first child, they knew this is the calling God had for their family and were excited to open their hearts and home to another child with Down Syndrome. Matt is a pastor and Christy is a stay at home mom. She also home schools the children. Adoption has changed their family for the better and they can’t wait to see God write the rest of Rayne’s story.

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Derek and Kaylee got married in 2012 were so excited to start a family. They were blessed with a little boy in March of 2014 and have had their hands full ever since. Kaylee has wanted to adopt for most of her life inspired by mission trips and her love of children, she knew that somehow orphan advocacy would be a part of her life and her family. Derek took a little more convincing and as Kaylee waiting “patiently” for God to move in Derek’s heart she kept a close eye on RR and soon she fell in love and could not hold back and neither could Derek. It was amazing how quickly their hearts attached to the little faces they saw and they decided it was time to move forward. It has already been an amazing journey watching God lead their hearts towards their little boy, Kaylee and Derek are so very excited to see this redemption story continue to unfold as they strive to bring him home.

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Michael and Maggie Perry were married in June of 2011. Both Michael and Maggie are teachers, and they share a deep passion for children with special needs. Throughout their relationship, they have known that one day they would adopt a child with Down syndrome. The two even talked about their desires to adopt on their first date! The Perry’s feel especially called to adoption because it mirrors God’s love for his children, as he has adopted his sons and daughters into his kingdom.

Though the two frequented the profiles of children on Reece’s Rainbow often, they did not feel that it was their time to adopt in the years prior to now. In order to still support the children on Reece’s Rainbow, the Perry’s ran a half marathon two years ago to help waiting children. At the beginning of 2015, God made it clear that this was their time to finally adopt. The Perry’s quickly fell in love with Royce and knew without a doubt that he was their son. They cannot wait to welcome sweet Royce into their home! All prayers and support are greatly appreciated!

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”- John 14:18

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27

3/16/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS

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DeWain and Laura have known each other for fifteen years and have been together for almost four. Although they have three biological children from their prior marriages, they wanted children of their own. They went through IVF last year but unfortunately it was unsuccessful. Laura has always supported Reeces Rainbow and would often look at the website for newly listed children. Last year she was drawn to “Dewey” on RR and started praying for this little boy. She started talking to DeWain about adoption and realized that God had placed it on his heart to grow their family through adoption as well. She showed him RR for the first time and he stopped when his eyes met Dewey’s picture. Dewey has hydrocephalus and would so benefit from the neurosurgeons in their area. Laura works in healthcare and had already spoken to physicians about Dewey. DeWain told her that this was their son. They also wanted to add a little girl and were able to learn about a baby girl in Deweys baby house who has Down Syndrome. They are now trying to finish their homestudy and dossier so they can get over to Eastern Europe as soon as possible. Please pray for them as they embark on this journey to adopt Dewey and Sophia and they would greatly benefit from anyone who would like to support their adoption journey.

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Ted, Torey and Leslie Bowen are excited beyond measure at the prospect of welcoming this wonderful child into their loving home. Ted and Torey have been married for 13 years, and adopted Leslie, now 8, from Guatemala in 2007. Leslie’s February 8 Gotcha Day is always a day of joyful reflection and giving thanks in the Bowen home. Torey herself was adopted from Greece at 14 months, and the knowledge that she spent time in an orphanage inspired her to adopt three children before “Faith”, soon to be named Phoebe. In addition to Leslie, Torey has two adult children, adopted from Arkansas and Colombia respectively, both leading happy and productive lives. Torey is a Rabbi involved in the Jewish reform movement, and teaches Hebrew and Judaica at a temple on Long Island. As an ordained member of the clergy, Torey also officiates at life-cycle events including weddings, baby naming ceremonies, and funerals. Ted, a proud Celt of Welsh decent, is the Assistant Director of Customer Relations for Metro-North Railroad, the second largest commuter railroad in the US. Leslie is a gregarious third grader at PS 139 in Queens with remarkable artistic talents and an affinity for animals. The Bowen home is not only filled with love, it is also filled with all kinds of music, pets and spirituality. In addition to two dogs and a cat, there are hamsters, a ferret, frogs, a guinea pig, and fish! This family of the world looks forward to adding another flag to the Greek, Welsh, Guatemalan, Colombian, and American flags already waving in their home, and they are very grateful for any assistance.

3/13/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS

$69.84
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Grant and Susan Lee have been married for 10 1/2 years and currently have six children. The breakdown of the half a dozen kids includes, four children from prior marriages, one child of our own, and one adopted child. Susan has always had a passion to adopt in her heart at a very young age, while Grant did not. When we, as a family adopted our youngest child Soo Min from South Korea seven years ago, Susan was elated as her dream of adopting a child finally came true. Grant was excited but did not share the same passion as Susan. As time passed by, Grant realized the passion for adoption and began to share these same feelings. The idea of giving his son a new life full of unconditional love became very important and special to Grant and he knew that they would adopt again.

This feeling is shared passionately with our children. Our kids realize that they are so fortunate that God has provided all of them with a life full of love, grace, and opportunity. They also realize that they are all children of God and they need to have open sensitive hearts, to bring another one of God’s children to our family. A baby girl named Comfort is our child who were are bringing home. Comfort is HIV positive, our family knew immediately just by looking at her that she is the chosen one to join the Lee family. We will work together as a family to make sure she has all the medical care and love she deserves.

We are often reminded of Galatians 3:26 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. We are all children of God and we need to help other children. The Lee siblings help each other, Grant and Susan help each other. It is now time for our entire family to bring Comfort into our home through the grace of God.

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The Doloski family is growing again! Michael and Jennifer have been married for 20 years. Their children are Rebecca (17), Anna (14), Pavel Joshua (9) and Daniel (8). Joshua (formerly “Patrick” on Reece’s Rainbow) came home from Eastern Europe in 2012. While Michael and Jennifer were visiting with Joshua, they had a chance to meet and bond with his best buddy in the Baby House. “James” was funny, polite, kind, and so very handsome. Months after coming home, they were still talking about him, wondering how he was, and feeling like they had left him behind. They have made many inquiries over the last three years, hoping to bring “James” into their family as well. Each time, they were told “James” was not available to be adopted, his paperwork was not in order, and, finally, “this boy is not available and probably never will be.” As “James” moved from Baby House to older children’s orphanage and in and out of the care of his family, the Doloskis tried hard, with the help of a local charity, to keep track of the boy they loved. Hoping to help him stay in his family’s care, they even offered to raise the funds necessary for surgery to correct his special need – an issue routinely repaired successfully on infants in the United States. Many months ago, they were told “James” was back with his family. They thought – hoped – that his story had a happy ending. On Christmas Eve 2014, however, they received a picture from the local charity. “James” was back in the government’s care, this time for good, as his family could no longer care for him. However, he was not pictured alone. He was photographed embracing his little brother, “John.” After weeks of prayer and discernment, knowing they could not leave behind the boy who won their hearts so long ago, the family decided that the only thing to do was put up another set of bunk beds and do everything they can to bring these boys home. These adoption plans were, truly, unexpected, and, as a result, the family is hoping to earn and raise everything they need to cover adoption expenses between now and the beginning of September. Donations are sincerely appreciated. (Philippians 2:12-13)

3/10/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at doloski.blogspot.com

$1,622.55
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Nathan and Tina met in high school. He was a football player and she was a cheerleader. They were married in 2004 and have had 10 lucky, wonderful, always changing, years together. Shortly after being married, they found out the were expecting the first of their three daughter’s. Nathan lost his job and was having a difficult time finding another one that would support their family. This lead them down the road of being a military family. They’ve been a military family now for over 9 years and life’s been an adventure. They can’t wait to go on this new adventure that the Lord has put before them. There are three little girls that can’t wait to have a little brother, and two parents who are so excited to have a son! Please pray for them as they go on the adventure they have become calling, Operation Scheid Family, to bring home little Tobias.

3/10/2015—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS

$140.65
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The Petersons were high school sweethearts, and have been married for the last 13 years. They both work as special education teachers, and thoroughly enjoy the world of education. They have been blessed with 6 amazing children – 5 boys and one girl! They adopted their daughter, Addelyn (Heavenly on RR), from Eastern Europe in 2014. They have been home 9 months, and are now preparing to head back for their second daughter. Adoption has been an amazing journey for this family. The Peterson family is excited to return and expand their family once again!

3/16/15—DOSSIER NEARLY COMPLETE

$72.75
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